Music therapy has been used for a long time. Frequently music is said to be one of the most ancient healing techniques (O'Kelly 130). Plato said that different types of music could be used to relax or to bring out aggressive characters in people (qtd. in O'Kelly). Extensive research of music therapy did not begin until the early to mid 1900's. Musicians played for recovering victims of war to reduce anxiety (O'Kelly 130). There are many organizations that have been established for music therapy such as the US National Association of Music Therapy, The Association of Professional Music Therapists, and the British Society of Music Therapy. In America there are over four thousand music therapist. (O'Kelly130)

In recent years music therapy has grown to become accepted in the reduction of pain, and its research has developed extensively (Browning 272).

Research conducted by Eagle and Harsh suggested two psychoneurological connections between music and pain. [F

Listening to music would reduce anxiety and as a result, minimize bodily disorders and the pain perceived during the dental treatment. Research shows that music can lower stress and anxiety to normal conditions within an hour (Cohen 37). Music can be used before or during a dental treatment. There can be soft music playing in the waiting room before the patient is called to relax him or her. People can choose there own music to listen to or the hygienist can choose the music. The different types of music that are frequently chosen are Celtic, new Age, global fusion, or classical (Cohen 37).

Many people fear going to the dentist due to the fear of experiencing large amounts of pain. "It has been estimated that 10% of the population experiences such a high level of anxiety and fear that they avoid any kind of dental treatment" (Cohen 34). This high level of anxiety causes people to feel pain that they might not otherwise feel if they were relaxed (Cohen 35). Music can change how you feel, or get you thinking about different things. It can also be used to reduce anxiety that patients feel as a result of having to go to the dentist.

Music reduces stress and anxiety, which in return reduces the percept

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